Postdoctoral Teaching and Learning Fellow–UBC Master of Data Science Program
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver invites applications for one or more Postdoctoral Teaching & Learning Fellow positions associated with the Master of Data Science (MDS) program. The MDS program focuses on the innovative and responsible use of Data Science tools across a broad spectrum of data types and domain areas. It is a 10-month, full-time program, delivered in course modules of four-week durations. The last two months are devoted to a capstone project. This program is a collaborative effort of the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Statistics, within the Faculty of Science. The Fellow(s) will be based in the Department of Computer Science or Statistics but will work closely with colleagues from both departments. The Fellow(s) will primarily report to the MDS Option Co-Directors.
We are seeking candidates who can actively participate in curriculum development and teach courses in Statistics and Machine learning. The Fellow(s) will:
- Expand and update the curriculum by designing and developing instructional materials in collaboration with participating faculty. This may include both undergraduate courses and MDS courses.
- Liaise with other UBC units engaged in Data Science teaching and learning initiatives.
- Be the primary instructor(s) for a subset of our data science courses, and provide instructional support to other faculty instructors for other courses.
- Train and supervise teaching assistants.
- Foster a positive learning environment for UBC data science students and be a continuous presence for the students.
- Serve on the MDS admissions committee.
- Supervise one or more Capstone projects by mentoring students and liaising with Capstone project partners.
We aim to recruit one (or more) junior scholars. The Fellows must be committed to both the practice and the teaching of Data Science and be drawn to an academic environment. There are also opportunities for the Fellows to contribute to other Data Science research projects undertaken by the Applied Statistics and Data Science Group within the Department of Statistics.
The positions are subject to final budgetary approval. The Fellows will be appointed for up to one year (with the possibility of renewal), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024. We are able to offer an attractive annual salary of $87,000-$92,000.
Applicants should hold a PhD in an area relevant to Data Science. Applicants with expertise in all areas of Data Science will be considered. However, the following focus areas are of interest to the committee: Machine learning, Web and cloud computing and Databases and data structures applied to data science. The appointment must commence within 5 years of being awarded a Ph.D.
The application package should contain the following elements:
- cover letter which specifically addresses how this position relates to the applicant’s experience and career aspirations
- curriculum vitae
- teaching statement
- contact information for three references, and any other pertinent information (e.g., links to relevant data science work or evidence of teaching effectiveness).
The application should be sent to info-mds@science.ubc.ca as either a single combined PDF file or a link to a public GitHub repository containing the application materials. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive; those received by April 15, 2024, will receive full consideration.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.